There were three solid reasons — oh, and it’s a preseason game; that’s four — why Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was asked Wednesday what he thought about the possibility of sitting out Friday’s preseason game against the Vikings.

You know. Play it safe.

It’s all theoretical. Coach Norv Turner essentially put the kibosh on the idea, stressing the importance for Rivers to work with his backups at those offensive line positions.

“This is a group we could be playing opening day with,” Turner said. “We’re going to prepare. They are guys who certainly will be dressed on opening day the way we’re at now. I’ve got a lot of confidence in the guys we’re going to line up on the offensive line.”

Turner expects guard Tyronne Green to return to practice today. Green is dealing with the same foot injury he played through last week against Dallas and, while showing regular-season form by speaking cryptically about his ailment, did concede he’s “feeling good.”

Green is walking without a protective boot.

Center Nick Hardwick will not make the trip to Minnesota, and the team hopes tackle Jared Gaither will be ready to play next week in the fourth preseason game.

Quite the combo it’ll be Friday, having the center and left tackle out.

“Those are key components to our offense,” Rivers said. “But it wouldn’t be the first time we played without them in there. Honestly, I have great confidence in any of the guys who are up front.

“Obviously, I will be excited to get Gaither back, and Nick is probably as crucial a piece to the group because of all the calls and we’ve been here together for nine years. ... You just help those guys get healthy.”

The Chargers have a plan for which reserve will start where.

But on a Wednesday, with a walk-through today and continued medical evaluation leading up to Friday’s 5 p.m. PT kickoff, Turner didn’t have the need for speed decisions.

It’s expected, however, that undrafted rookie Michael Harris will start in place of Gaither for the third straight game.

The team can go a couple different routes at center. The most likely scenario has veteran guard-center Rex Hadnot starting, but seventh-round draft pick Dave Molk also could fill the role.

Turner sees it as a win-win.

“It’s outstanding because they may be in a position to play,” Turner said. “David Molk has been one of our more impressive guys, and Rex Hadnot is a pro that’s played guard, played center, and he got two great days of work against the Cowboys, and I think that really helped him.”

The perception that Rivers could sit out gained some legs with the Patriots resting Tom Brady on Monday. It made sense for New England, which plays three preseason games in 10 days and has an open competition for Brady’s primary backup.